A process of producing a polyamide polymer using in-line vacuum finishing technology in the absence of steam or other gases. The polyamide polymer, in particular Nylon 66, Nylon 6, and copolyamides, have a high molecular weight, excellent color, and low gel content. The polyamide polymer also has a relative viscosity greater than 50 as measured in a 90% strength formic acid solution; consistent viscosity with a standard deviation of less than 1; a gel content no greater than 50 ppm as measured by insolubles larger than 10 micron; and an optical defect content of less than 2,000 parts per million (ppm) as measured by optical control system (OCS). The polymer can be made into monofilaments or a multifilament yarn.